What's New September 27, 2015

ACRAs Finalists Fever – #12

There are thousands of hard-working, dedicated and amazingly creative people throughout the radio industry – and every year a small fraction of those people make the short list as a finalist in the ACRAs.

Just like we did last year, over the next few weeks, Radio Today will shine a spotlight on the best of the best.

Today we feature Nikolina Koevska, Barrie Greenbury, Matt Monk, Lauren Temuskos & Matt Stewart

Let’s Roll Out the Red Carpet….The ACRAs Finalists Fever – counting down the days to the big event on October 10 by profiling the finalists across all categories. You can get involved by emailing us here.

ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC PRESENTER

Nikolina Koevska; The Edge, Katoomba NSW, Australian Radio Network P

So tell us about you….

A little over a year ago I was finishing up my Commerce and Media degree and working a part-time job at Macquarie Group. I was all set to hop into a job as an Investment banker… so boring right!?

So I was ramping up my blog trying to find another way that I could be my creative self and thinking about how to justify leaving such a set career in business when I got the call from my partner about the Edge Star competition. The Edge were looking for a new announcer and I applied.

A a few weeks later, I stepped out in the middle of my uni tutorial and took a call notifying me that I had got into the top 10. Soon, the top 10 became the top 3 and eventually took it out – despite having no experience in radio and I thought my voice sounded pretty damn annoying.

It’s insane that just one year later I’d basically sleep at the station if they’d let me because I love it so much, and I am an ACRA finalist.

Best part of your Job..

The best part of my amazing job is the people and the environment! From the celebrities I get to interview (Fergie has done my new voicemail greeting), to a really great boss Charlie Fox and the whole Edge team… they are a really cool bunch of people. The radio world moves fast and is constantly upbeat… one minute you’re segging 6 hours of music for a Saturday night and the next Jason Derulo is travelling around the studio on a swag-board.

It’s all happening all the time which makes it the perfect job for me.

Tell us about your entry…

With my entry, I’ve tried to showcase my personal delivery style on air, using a range of breaks from celeb news and interviews to and funny moments.

You get the ACRA, what’s your speech..

I haven’t even thought about my speech because I am just thankful to even be nominated. I can’t imagine actually taking out the award but if I did I would probably most of all thank my amazing boss Charlie Fox for giving so much encouragement and freedom to be who I want to be on air.

I’d thank Mike E for teaching me everything I know about radio and The Edge team for being the coolest people to work with.

I’d also thank my family for being my biggest fans and of course, my partner Nick for calling me on the phone as soon as he heard the promotion of the Edge Star comp and saying I had to apply because it this completion had my name all over it.

BEST DIRECT SALESPERSON

Barrie Greenbury; Mix FM & Sea FM, Maroochydore QLD, EON Broadcasting P

Tell us about your career in radio…

First Radio Stations was 1071am / Cfm Kingaroy

Started November 2001 in the RG Capital Days
• Account Manager : 2001 – 2002
• Sales Manager: 2002 – 2004
Russ Wilson was my GM and was a great guide for a newbie Sales Manager ……………..“just do the business Bazza”

June 2004 to 92.7 Mix FM and 91.9 Sea FM Sunshine Coast
• Account Manager June 2004 – May 2007
• Account Manager September 2007 – Present

How did you end up on the Coast….

Transferred for the experience and stayed for the lifestyle. Great working culture, everyone gets on (most of the time)
The on air talent are among the best in the country any one of them could or have been in Metro markets but choose to live and work here. Which is great for us. Quality talent, quality content, makes selling radio a lot easier.

The last 12 months…

Have spent a lot of time working with Key clients to increase their activity and therefore their results from campaigns
Implementing the changes and convincing clients that this is the way forward takes some doing but that has paid off in recent years culminating in the record results across 2014.

BEST ON-AIR TEAM COUNTRY & PROVINCIAL

Monkey, Loggy & The Big Fella; Matt Monk, Lauren Temuskos & Matt Stewart, Coast FM, Warrnambool VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C

Now.. one at a time… tell us about you… go

Monkey Loggy & The Bigfella have been a breakfast show since February 2014.

All 3 have had varied entries into the world of radio which brings different elements to the table and a positive and “real” chemistry to the show.

Monkey (Matthew Monk) was part of the inaugural Coast FM brekky show when the frequency was first introduced to the area in 2002. He has since had varied stints on breakfast in The Townsville market and back at Coast Fm over the last 13 years.

Loggy (Lauren Temuskos) has burst onto the radio scene in 2013 after completing her training at the RTI and spending a short time doing afternoon and morning shifts. Loggy was quickly identified to galvanise the already strong relationship between Monkey & The Bigfella by panelling the show. Far from a simple anchor Loggy brings enormous energy and enthusiasm to the show and gives a strong female dynamic.

The Bigfella (Matty Stewart) has had a long association with radio starting out as a Sports journalist and hosting local sporting radio programs including live commentary for the local HFNL competition. The MLB brekky show was somewhat his brain child encouraging his life long friend Matthew Monk to join him on a return to FM breakfast.

Tell us about your entry…

The entry for best on air team is a conglomerate of all that is MLB. A show based heavily on fun and community the entry highlights some KPI’s if you like from the show. The Bigfella’s somewhat dyslexic observations on names and facts mixed with enthusiastic and quick wit from Loggy. The show attracts high profile guests who are always comfortable and engaging with MLB and like Jeff Kennet who features are always amused with the show name. Throw in some story telling and banter from Monkey and you have a terrific snapshot of what a listener can expect to hear most mornings.

Here’s your moment… the speech.. go..

The issue with a speech would be the argument on who would deliver it between Monkey & Loggy. A running theme of who “controls” the show would no doubt spill over to the bright lights of the stage. Once established no doubt the people who would be acknowledged above all else would be our listeners. The strength of our show is them ….period. Humble mentions to our amazing employers Ace Radio for their support and trust they place in us and our families and loved ones who sacrifice Breakfast mon-fri with each of us. A token thumbs up And general “yeah thanks guys” right at the end from The Bigfella would probably book end the event!